Training Tricks with a Clicker

A clicker is a mechanical noise-maker. We can teach dogs that the noise it makes has a specific meaning. This can help us train tricks, especially when we try to teach a dog to isolate a tiny movement, like to blink or to stop wagging their tail.

However, dogs respond well to using a word or vocal noise instead of a clicker. Some trainers prefer not to use a clicker - and that's okay!

Youth in grades 3 - 5 sometimes have difficulty holding the clicker - and leash, and treats. They can use a word instead of a clicker, or they might choose to only use the clicker at home when they can train off-leash.

Get Started with a Clicker

Some dogs are afraid of a clicker sound, so the first thing we do is to see if it bothers your dog.

When your dog is in another room or far away from you, Click once and watch your dog's reaction.
If your dog looks stressed or nervous, you can try clicking a retractable pen or use your voice instead of a clicker.
If your dog didn't react or just looked curious, move closer and Click again.

Never hold the clicker near your dog's head or ears - that's not kind!

This clicker design is popular with trainers. It's a little quieter than others, the button is easy to press, and you can drop it on the floor and press it with your foot!

Loading the Clicker

Next, we need to teach your dog what the clicker sound means. Trainers call this loading a clicker.

At first, we teach the dog that Click means it will get a treat.
Soon we will teach the dog that Click means "I like that behavior, here's a treat!"
Your dog will learn to repeat behaviors that are "clicked."

Does this sound familiar? This means the same as "Yes!" You can use The Name Game instructions from the Foundational Level to load the clicker. Just Click instead of saying "Yes!"

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